Lafayette-Yesterday at approximately 5:40 p.m. on I-65 southbound near the 175 mile marker, Trooper Ben Rector stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation which netted approximately one pound of marijuana and a small amount of cocaine.

Trooper Rector works out of the Lafayette Post and was on routine patrol when he stopped a red 2006 Cadillac CTS driven by Samuel D. Johnson Jr, 24 years old from Beaufort, SC for a “routine” traffic violation. Trooper Rector was advised by Johnson that there was a small amount of marijuana in the car. Trooper Rector utilized his K-9 partner “Nico” and subsequently found approximately one pound of marijuana and a small amount of cocaine.

Johnson was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of Marijuana over 30 grams-Class D Felony, Possession of Cocaine-Class D Felony, Dealing Marijuana-Class D Felony and Operating While Intoxicated-Class A Misdemeanor. Johnson was booked into the Tippecanoe County Jail. Assisting Trooper Rector were Troopers Tyler Bentlage and Tyler Stinson. The investigation is continuing.

Troopers and other fellow police officers make “routine” traffic stops every day they work. An officer never knows what he or she may be walking up to when making a traffic stop. They must be prepared to expect the worst and must be aware of possible criminal activity or dangers and react accordingly. Traffic stops can never be assumed as “routine.”

Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.